SRINAGAR: Three militants and a soldier were killed on Saturday in a gunfight in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, while seven civilians died after forces opened fire on protesters in subsequent clashes in the area.

The gunfight broke out in Kharpora Sirnoo village after the government forces launched a cordon-and-search-operation following a tip-off about the presence of militants.

An army spokesman in Srinagar said that three militants and a soldier were killed in the gunfight.

The identities of the slain militants were being ascertained, said a police officer.

Sources said that six civilians were killed after forces opened fire on protesters near the site of the gunfight.